Arial Photos and Topo Maps

[Fat Boy]

These have helped me with hunting opportunities cut I can see some fishing applications as well, including ice fishing.

1)  For those who didn't notice or don't know at all (like me using it all the time and never seeing this feature), www.mapquest.com, the site that gives you directions and driving maps, also has a feature that gives you arial photos that can zoom in to amazing detail of any area that you can get a map for.  Simply request a map of your area, state, intersection, zip code, or whatever and then click on the arial photo tab.  It's really cool!  I can see applications for determining new lakes to fish or areas to start based on photo evidence combined with the use of a topo map.  Like, which lakes are best oriented to freeze first or ice out last?  And, what terrain can either make a lake protected from wind or a wind tunnel?  Or, what surrounding features indicate potential structure to fish?  Combine this with a fishing map showing depths of the lake and you can maybe find new fishing hot spots.

2)  Topo map?  USGS free on line with zoom capability is available at:  
http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/

I find these two resources fascinating for many of my outdoors needs...even if it's just to view them and print them out!!!

Enjoy!

[Venzulo]

Another cool topo site that I have used for years is
http://www.topozone.com/
.

Good for contours. I have printed off many for ice-fishing new lakes.-V

[crappieloo]

Fat Boy, Thanks i just checked out maptech. and learned a few things about a crappie lake i fish
I will be using this to check PA. lakes that i want to fish this season.
 Cooooool

[tommyboy]

If you guys want areal photographs, check out
http://www.terrafly.com/

The photos are great, but the site runs a little slow unless you go there early in the morning or late at night.  During the daytime, when their traffic is very heavy, they sometimes kick you off unless you are a paid subscriber.

Hope this helps!

[Rusty Hook]

This is a good one.http://www.jdmcox.com/Can up load to/from GPS both photos and topo. It works best with broadband.

[mngonefishing]

thanks all. my wife wants to go cross country skiing in northern MN. I just was looking for some area photo's and lo and be hold     lakes in northern MN      they are just begging to be fished. tight lines